Sometimes referred to as the “induction session,” expectant mothers seek out the talents of a maternity reflexologist to encourage labor to start. In fact, the midwife or obstetrician may recommend a couple sessions of reflexology to full term or post-dates patients before scheduling a medical induction at the birth center or hospital.
A nurturing reflexology session at the end of a pregnancy is often just the thing to start contractions and get the ball rolling on its own. Commonly applied to the feet, reflexology can be soothing for pre-labor jitters and birth anxiety. The beauty of this modality is that it cannot trigger labor if both mother and baby are not quite ready.
What is Priming for Labor Reflexology?
Priming for Labor is a protocol unique to the Reflexology profession. Not every reflexologist has this training though – it is generally taught in a Maternity Reflexology course where the practitioner will specialize in working with reproductive health clients.
The session itself will feel very similar to the prenatal sessions the client has been receiving throughout her pregnancy. Reflexology is deeply relaxing and that in itself is sometimes enough to prompt labor to begin for mother and baby.
Some reflex areas the reflexologist may use during this session include:
- endocrine system reflexes, especially the glands responsible for the release of oxytocin
- pelvic area reflexes, encouraging relaxation in the hips, ligaments and tendons
- breast and nipple reflexes – Some women are encouraged to use a breast pump or manual stimulation of the nipples, stimulating the reflex areas may aid in the release of oxytocin.
- reproductive organ reflexes – The ovary and uterus reflexes are frequently stimulated in this type of session using a moderate pressure and gaining verbal feedback from the client on comfort levels.
Most midwives will recommend a healthy patient wait out the pregnancy until postdates before considering this type of natural therapy or any others that may encourage labor to start.
What to Expect in a Maternity Reflexology Session
The maternity reflexologist will have a special setup just for pregnant moms, taking into consideration the great changes the body is experiencing throughout the pregnancy. In a general reflexology session, the client would expect to be either reclined or lying flat on a bodywork table. Special considerations are made for the expectant mother to ensure both mom and baby are comfortable, and safe.
A full-term client will be unable to lie flat on a bodywork table due to the weight of the baby and the pressure placed on the vena cava. Prenatal reflexology sessions may be given with the pregnant mother in an upright, semi-reclined or side-lying position. These positions allow the practitioner to have access to the feet and hands, without putting mother or baby at risk of decreased oxygen and blood supply.
What to Look For in a Qualified Reflexologist
Many reflexologists are now specializing in working with women through their pregnancies, sometimes even attending them as a reflexology doula in the labor room. The latter is a popular component to full circle maternity wellness and some practitioners will work with a client from preconception through the baby’s first birthday.
It is important to note that not every reflexologist is comfortable, or trained, to work with clients during their pregnancy. There are special considerations in working with the pregnant client and not everyone is a perfect candidate for reflexology. Be sure to notify the practitioner of any health concerns that have come up during the pregnancy and any condition that is being treated by the midwife or doctor.
Ideally the reflexologist will meet some of these guidelines:
- have formal, hands-on, training greater than 100 hours in basic reflexology
- have advanced training and/or experience in maternity reflexology
- carry liability insurance and be a member of a local or national reflexology association – This means he/she will be abiding to a code of ethics and practice in accordance with set standards in the field.
Additionally, the reflexologist may be asked for tips and suggestions helpful for labor and childbirth. She may recommend different reflex areas to stimulate on the hands or feet during labor for comfort, relaxation and pain management.
References:
- Reflexology in Pregnancy and Childbirth by Denise Tiran, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier 2010.
- The Gentle Birth Method by Dr Gowri Motha and Karen Swan MacLeod, Thorsons 2004.
- The author’s own experience working in Maternity Reflexology as a Birth Doula.
- Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy at American Pregnancy Association, accessed online May 7, 2010.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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